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10 Best Backpack Coolers 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

SPARTER Backpack Cooler Insulated Leak Proof 33 Cans, 2 Insulated Compartments Thermal Bag, Portable Lightweight Beach Travel Camping Lunch Backpack for Men and Women

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,211
Capacity
Insulation
Durability

Most important from
9248 reviews

Capacity
Can fit lots of cans and bottles, making it spacious and practical.
Insulation
Worked great for keeping beverages cold during beach trips and camping.
Durability
Well-built with thick material, offering good value for money.
Comfort
Comfortable to carry with great functionality.

The SPARTER Backpack Cooler is designed for those who enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, camping, or beach outings. It holds up to 30 cans, making it spacious for food and drinks. The cooler's insulation capabilities are notable, retaining chill for up to 20 hours, thanks to the thick 8 mm foam and advanced seal technology. This feature is particularly beneficial for long days outdoors when keeping beverages cold is essential.

In terms of practicality, the leak-proof liner offers peace of mind, although users need to be cautious about the zipper area not being completely leak-proof. The inclusion of double insulated compartments allows for convenient separation of drinks and dry foods, while additional pockets provide space for personal items like your phone or snacks.

Lightweight at just 1.1 pounds, this backpack cooler is easy to carry, and the padded shoulder straps enhance comfort during travel. The water-resistant nylon material adds to its durability, making it suitable for various weather conditions. Potential users should note the cooler's weight capacity and design. Although it can hold up to 30 cans, it may become cumbersome to carry when fully loaded. Additionally, while the leak-proof feature works well for the liner, the zipper’s limitations could lead to spills if not handled carefully. Its hand-wash care instruction might also be inconvenient for some users.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,211
Capacity
Insulation
Durability

Most important from
9248 reviews

Capacity
Can fit lots of cans and bottles, making it spacious and practical.
Insulation
Worked great for keeping beverages cold during beach trips and camping.
Durability
Well-built with thick material, offering good value for money.
Comfort
Comfortable to carry with great functionality.
#2

Hulongo Large Waterproof Insulated Cooler Backpack for Men & Women, Leak Proof Cooler Backpack for Camping, Beach, Fishing, Picnic, Travel, Outdoor, 30L, 48Cans

Rating
9.6
Capacity
Insulation
Durability

Most important from
1220 reviews

Capacity
This might be the best insulated bag/cooler ever purchased. Perfect for a day at the beach & pool with amazing straps, extra pockets, and size.
Insulation
This might be the best insulated bag/cooler ever purchased. Perfect for a day at the beach & pool with amazing straps, extra pockets, and size.
Durability
Even when packed full, it doesn't feel like it will break, rip, or leak. A life saver for those who hate lugging around giant plastic coolers.
Additional Features
This might be the best insulated bag/cooler ever purchased. Perfect for a day at the beach & pool with amazing straps, extra pockets, and size.

The Hulongo Large Waterproof Insulated Cooler Backpack is a versatile choice for outdoor activities such as camping, beach trips, fishing, and picnics. With a 30-liter capacity, it can hold up to 48 cans, making it spacious enough for a day's worth of food and beverages. The insulation is a significant strength, with 8 mm foam and a silver PEVA seal that keep contents cool for up to 12 hours. This is ideal for long outings, ensuring your items stay fresh throughout the day.

The backpack is lightweight and has adjustable padded straps, enhancing comfort during extended use. Its waterproof nylon material with a PU coating makes it durable and easy to clean, which is great for various weather conditions and rugged use. An additional strength is its leak-proof design, thanks to the high-tech seamless hot pressing process and smooth horizontal zippers, ensuring no spills. The multiple compartments and pockets, including two insulated sections, a front pocket, and two side pockets, offer valuable organizational options. The provision of a bottle opener adds to its convenience.

While it is praised for being lightweight, its dimensions might make it a bit bulky for some users, especially when fully loaded. Moreover, some might find the gray color option limiting. The backpack serves unisex-adult users well, making it a suitable gift for both men and women who enjoy outdoor adventures.

Rating
9.6
Capacity
Insulation
Durability

Most important from
1220 reviews

Capacity
This might be the best insulated bag/cooler ever purchased. Perfect for a day at the beach & pool with amazing straps, extra pockets, and size.
Insulation
This might be the best insulated bag/cooler ever purchased. Perfect for a day at the beach & pool with amazing straps, extra pockets, and size.
Durability
Even when packed full, it doesn't feel like it will break, rip, or leak. A life saver for those who hate lugging around giant plastic coolers.
Additional Features
This might be the best insulated bag/cooler ever purchased. Perfect for a day at the beach & pool with amazing straps, extra pockets, and size.
#3

YETI Hopper M20 Backpack Soft Sided Cooler with MagShield Access, Big Wave Blue

Rating
9.4
Capacity
Insulation
Durability

Most important from
854 reviews

Capacity
The size is ideal for carrying drinks and snacks on day trips, combining moderate capacity with portability.
Insulation
The cooler's durable construction and high-quality insulation keep drinks ice cold for hours, even in hot weather.
Durability
Its stylish appearance and robust material make it a standout choice for outdoor adventures.
Comfort
The backpack design with adjustable padded straps offers excellent comfort and hands-free convenience for outdoor activities.
Additional Features
The MagShield Access closure system makes opening and closing the cooler effortless and leak-proof.

The YETI Hopper M20 Backpack Cooler is designed for those who want a reliable and comfortable way to keep drinks cold while keeping hands free during outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, or picnics. It holds about 18 cans or 26 pounds of ice, which is a moderate capacity ideal for day trips rather than extended outings. Its ColdCell insulation uses closed-cell foam, which is very effective at keeping contents cold for several hours. The DryHide shell material is tough and resists punctures and UV damage, making it durable for rough outdoor use.

Despite its solid build, the backpack weighs about 3.45 kilograms (7.6 pounds), which is reasonable but might feel a bit heavy when fully packed for longer hikes. Comfort is a focus here, with padded straps and a backpack design that distributes weight evenly. The MagShield Access is a handy magnetic closure system that stays open while you load or unload and seals tightly to prevent leaks—a smart design feature that improves ease of use. Additional features like the HitchPoint Grid allow you to attach extra gear like dry bags or bottle openers, adding versatility.

Its capacity might be small for larger groups or extended trips. If you value durability, ease of use, and effective insulation in a backpack style cooler, the Hopper M20 is well suited for day outdoor activities, but those needing greater capacity or lighter weight may want to explore other options.

Rating
9.4
Capacity
Insulation
Durability

Most important from
854 reviews

Capacity
The size is ideal for carrying drinks and snacks on day trips, combining moderate capacity with portability.
Insulation
The cooler's durable construction and high-quality insulation keep drinks ice cold for hours, even in hot weather.
Durability
Its stylish appearance and robust material make it a standout choice for outdoor adventures.
Comfort
The backpack design with adjustable padded straps offers excellent comfort and hands-free convenience for outdoor activities.
Additional Features
The MagShield Access closure system makes opening and closing the cooler effortless and leak-proof.

Buying Guide for the Best Backpack Coolers

Choosing a backpack cooler can make your outings, hikes, or picnics much more enjoyable, as it allows you to carry food and drinks while keeping them cold and fresh. To find the right fit for your needs, it's important to focus on the main features and specifications that affect how the cooler will perform for you. Understanding these specs will help you select the model that will be comfortable to carry, suitable for your storage needs, and keep your items cool for as long as you require.
CapacityCapacity refers to how much the backpack cooler can hold, usually measured in liters or by the number of cans it can fit. This is important because it determines how many drinks or how much food you can take with you. Small coolers (under 20 liters) are good for solo trips or short outings, medium-sized (20 to 30 liters) work well for couples or small groups, and large coolers (over 30 liters) are designed for group excursions or longer adventures. Pick the size based on how many people you plan to pack for and how long you'll be out. It's best to choose a capacity that meets your needs on most occasions—too large and it will be heavy and bulky, too small and you might run out of storage.
Insulation PerformanceInsulation performance is about how well the backpack keeps the contents cold, usually described in terms of hours items stay chilled. This is crucial if you’ll be outdoors for a long period or in hot weather. Some coolers can keep ice for just a few hours, while others can maintain cool temperatures for up to a day or more. If you only need to keep things cold for a couple of hours, basic insulation is fine, but for hiking, camping, or day-long use, look for higher-performance insulation. Your outdoor plans and the expected temperature will guide you toward the right level of insulation.
Weight and ComfortThe weight of a backpack cooler and its carrying comfort matter a lot, especially if you plan to walk long distances. Weight includes both the empty cooler and how much it weighs when full. Heavier models might offer better insulation or capacity but can be uncomfortable. Comfort features like padded shoulder straps, chest straps, and back padding spread the load and make a big difference on longer hikes. If you expect to walk far or carry it for extended periods, look for ergonomic designs and lighter models, while for shorter walks, this might be less critical.
Durability and MaterialDurability refers to how tough and long-lasting the backpack cooler is, which is mostly influenced by the material used. Common materials include nylon, polyester, or thicker waterproof fabrics. Higher-quality fabrics resist tears and are better at handling rough use. Waterproof or water-resistant fabrics and zippers make the cooler suitable for rain or wet environments. If you often go into rugged areas or plan to use the cooler a lot, prioritize durability and tougher materials. For occasional city use or gentle outings, lightweight materials may suffice.
Leakproof and Waterproof FeaturesLeakproof construction prevents melted ice or spilled drinks from seeping out and making a mess. Some coolers have special liners or sealed seams to keep liquid contained. This specification is important if you plan to pack ice, loose cans, or anything else that could melt or spill. Waterproof features, like treated fabrics and zippers, also protect against rain or accidental splashes. If your activities involve lots of ice or risk of spills, prioritize leakproof and waterproof models, while for short, dry trips, this may be less essential.
Additional Features and PocketsSome backpack coolers come with extra pockets, bottle openers, straps for towels, or compartments for dry items. These features add convenience, letting you organize your belongings and access frequently used items without opening the main compartment. If you like to bring utensils, snacks, sunscreen, or other small necessities, extra pockets come in handy. Consider how organized you want to be and what extras you’ll bring along—choose accordingly based on how much convenience you need.

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